Strong retention rate for RPC’s UK qualifying trainees

International law firm RPC is set to retain 89% of its UK trainees due to qualify in September 2025.

16 of the 18-strong cohort applied for newly qualified (NQ) positions across its London and Bristol offices. Two members of the 2023 trainee intake chose not to participate in the qualification process and are exploring opportunities externally.

Laura Stocks, Partner and UK Training Principal at RPC, said: “Our trainees bring a huge amount of talent, energy and curiosity to the firm, and it’s been great to see them grow in confidence and capability during their training contracts. The high retention rate reflects the strength of this year’s group and how well-regarded they are across the business.

“We’re proud of the training experience we offer – it’s practical, hands-on and grounded in the realities of client work – and we’re excited to see the next stage of their careers unfold at RPC.”

The 2025 newly qualified lawyers join Construction, Professional & Financial Risks, Property & Casualty International, and Medical in the Insurance practice; Commercial & Banking Litigation, IP & Technology, and Media in the Disputes practice; and Corporate, Data & Cyber, and Commercial, Technology & Outsourcing in the Corporate & Commercial practice.

RPC’s training programme is known for offering strong client and international exposure, with trainees regularly seconded to clients and to the firm’s offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. In recognition of this, RPC was named Best Law Firm for Client Secondments at the Legal Cheek Awards 2025. Over the past year, RPC trainees have gained hands-on experience across key sectors – including Financial Services, Insurance and Reinsurance, Professional Practices, Retail & Consumer, and TMT – helping to build both their legal skills and commercial understanding.

This year’s retention figure continues to reflect RPC’s long-term commitment to nurturing emerging talent and investing in practices that support the firm’s international growth.